Socorro balloonist takes flight at Albuquerque’s Balloon Fiesta

For James Allison, the skies over Albuquerque are more than just a scenic backdrop, they’re a family legacy. The 31-year-old balloonist from Socorro returned to the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta this year not just as a spectator, but as a pilot, flying his family’s balloon, It’s a Zoo, for the first time in the event’s storied history.

Allison, a mechanical engineer at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) , earned his balloon pilot’s license a decade ago but only recently took to the skies in earnest.

“I got my license in college but didn’t fly much until this summer,” he said. “My parents have had the balloon since 1995, the year before I was born, and they’ve always hired someone to fly it. This year, I decided to step up.”

The balloon, adorned with vibrant silhouettes of animals reminiscent of The Lion King, has become a fixture at the Fiesta. Though Allison jokes that his parents deny any Disney inspiration, the design’s resemblance to the iconic film’s opening scene is hard to miss.

Flying at Fiesta is no small feat, said Allison. Pilots must attend daily briefings with FAA officials and meteorologists, scan in with QR-coded badges, and adapt to rapidly changing weather conditions.

“We had a few days where flying wasn’t possible,” Allison said. “But even then, we did static displays and candlestick burns to keep the crowd entertained.”

The Fiesta’s famed “glow” events, where balloons light up the Balloon Fiesta Park, offered Allison a chance to connect with spectators.

“We only signed up for one glow this year,” he said. “It’s a lot of interaction. Kids climb into the basket, parents take pictures, and we hand out commemorative items like dog tags or ornaments.”

Ballooning is deeply personal for Allison. His father, now on the Fiesta’s board of directors, bought the balloon originally to impress family, and Allison’s mother. Over the years, Allison’s older half-brothers earned their licenses, and now he’s continuing the tradition.

“It’s kind of a family affair,” he said.

But ballooning isn’t just about nostalgia, it’s also about community and education. Allison is training friends in Socorro to crew and hopes to fly locally. He’s also working with Quad A, the Albuquerque Aeronaut Ascension Association, to promote ballooning among younger generations.

“It’s an expensive sport,” he admitted. “A new system can cost upwards of $65,000.

That’s a big barrier for young people who are already having trouble affording rent.”

Despite the challenges, Allison remains committed. He’s already planning a new balloon to replace It’s a Zoo, complete with tributes to loved ones, a ladybug for a fellow pilot’s late partner and a peacock for his own recently passed pet.

“It’s a fun crowd,” he said. “After your first flight, there’s a tradition of pouring champagne. I did that with my nephew, who’s actually about my age, and it was a moment I’ll never forget.”

From early morning launches to navigating airspace regulations, Allison’s journey at the Balloon Fiesta is a testament to his passion for the sport and his family legacy.